Bangladeshi USF Student Death: Roommate Arrested in US

The body of Bangladeshi PhD student Jamil Limon from the University of South Florida (USF) in the United States has been recovered. Police have also arrested his roommate in connection with the case, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

Limon’s body was found near the Howard Frankland Bridge. Another Bangladeshi PhD student, Nahida Bristi, who went missing at the same time, has not yet been found.

Both students were last seen on April 16 near the USF campus. Limon was pursuing a PhD in Geography, Environmental Science and Policy, while Bristi is a Chemical Engineering PhD student. Both are 27 years old.

According to CNN police arrested Limon’s roommate, 26-year-old Hisham Abugarbieh, on Friday morning. Authorities said they first responded to his home on the day of the incident following a domestic violence report, according to Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer.

Abugarbieh a former USF student, faces charges including assault unlawful confinement, destruction of evidence, failure to report a death, and illegal disposal of a body.

Investigators said Abugarbieh was questioned several times before his arrest. He initially cooperated but later stopped responding to questions. Authorities later linked him to the case and Limon’s death.

During the arrest, he reportedly barricaded himself inside a house. SWAT teams and crisis negotiators were called in before he surrendered.

Limon’s brother, Zubair Ahmed, told CNN that the family is devastated and seeking answers about the incident.

The Bangladesh embassy confirmed it is in contact with US authorities, including the State Department and the FBI. The Bangladesh consulate in Miami is also coordinating with local investigators and USF officials.

Investigations are ongoing. Bristi remains missing.